45: Is my life only worth 500,000?

The man approached, his slender fingers resting on the fan ribs, exuding an indescribable chill.

He was clearly smiling, but his eyes held no warmth, only a calculating coldness.

Lu Yuan had an ominous premonition.

This person's aura far surpassed any opponent he had encountered; he was unfathomable.

At least a peak Tier 3, or even... Tier 4!

"Heh heh, this Little Brother, you look very familiar."

White Paper Fan gently fanned himself, carefully scrutinizing Lu Yuan.

"Even this unassuming stone isn't something just anyone can possess."

He took a step closer, and a faint, nauseatingly sweet fragrance wafted over.

"Some things are too hot to handle."

"If you can't hold onto it yourself, it's better to hand it over sooner, to avoid bringing trouble upon yourself, wouldn't you agree?"

His voice was very soft, like a lover's whisper.

But Lu Yuan only felt disgusted; a grown man acting so effeminate, it was improper.

However, he dared not speak, only silently calculating the disparity in their strengths.

The gap was too vast, like an unbridgeable chasm.

Fighting head-on, there was no chance of victory.

Seeing Lu Yuan remain silent, White Paper Fan's smile grew wider.

"There's nothing the Black Water Gang wants that it can't get."

"Little Brother, you're young, you don't understand the depths of this water."

"Opposing us, the outcome... won't be very good, you know."

He extended a slender finger, seemingly wanting to pat Lu Yuan's cheek.

Just then, Yao Xiao made her move.

Her father's words flashed through her mind—"Your gold card classmate has immense potential; befriend him if you can."

Now was the time.

She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and stood squarely in front of Lu Yuan, blocking White Paper Fan's hand.

"Who are you, sir?"

"The Star Brilliance Secret Market has its own rules."

"Forcibly buying and selling on the street, and even attempting to threaten, is a bit too disrespectful to the owner of this place."

Her gaze met White Paper Fan's directly, without backing down.

"I am Yao Xiao of Yao Family Enterprise from Canglan Province."

"May I ask what path you hail from, friend? Let's settle this."

White Paper Fan's outstretched hand froze in mid-air.

Upon hearing the words "Canglan Province Yao Family Enterprise," a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, revealing a hint of apprehension.

The Yao Family was a major enterprise throughout the entire Canglan Province, far beyond what the Black Water Gang of Jiangcheng could compare to.

He slowly withdrew his hand, and the folding fan gently closed with a soft 'snap'.

"So it's the Yao Family's Little Princess, my apologies."

He smiled without warmth, his face taking on an even more sinister charm.

"The Black Water Gang naturally has to give face to the Yao Family."

"But this item is no small matter; it's of great importance."

"It's not something your Yao Family... or rather, not something you, Little Princess, can get involved with."

His gaze passed over Yao Xiao and landed on Lu Yuan once more.

"For the sake of the Yao Family, our gang can offer a generous gift: five hundred thousand star coins for the 'item' in Little Brother's hand, how about it?"

"This is already tremendous sincerity."

"If the Little Princess insists on interfering... hmph."

He scoffed, his threat clearly evident.

"Then the consequences, I'm afraid even the Yao Family wouldn't want to see."

"Is it worth offending our Black Water Gang for an outsider?"

Five hundred thousand star coins?

Lu Yuan cursed inwardly, "My life is only worth five hundred thousand?"

With that said, he finally understood.

The other party seemed to be a high-ranking member of the Black Water Gang.

He didn't know if they were deliberately blocking him here, or if he had just had the rotten luck to run into them.

Lu Yuan's heart pounded, his Source Power subtly stirring, silently communicating with the Heavenly Thunder Light Falcon in his card slot.

The gold card transmitted a restless response, ready to unleash a thunderous strike at any moment, even if it was just to buy a sliver of an escape opportunity.

He took a deep breath and gently pushed away Yao Xiao, who was blocking him.

"Thanks."

He whispered.

"But this is my business."

He took a step forward, facing White Paper Fan's chilling gaze directly, without fear.

"What do you want?"

A hint of appreciation flashed in White Paper Fan's eyes; he was indeed a man who had returned from the Beast Hunting Zone.

He had spirit!

This kid had some guts, but unfortunately, guts alone weren't enough. What Brother Ya wanted wouldn't fly away!

White Paper Fan's smile became playful.

"It's very simple."

"Hand over the item, and five hundred thousand star coins will be respectfully offered!"

"Otherwise..."

White Paper Fan's Source Power fluctuations spread out, a peak Tier 3 combat power!

It pressed down on the two of them, making it hard to breathe.

The old stall owner had long since shrunk behind his stall, not daring to make a sound.

Some onlookers who were enjoying the show also scattered, fearing they would be affected.

Just then, several whooshing sounds approached from a distance.

Three people wearing the Star Brilliance Secret Market's unique dark gold uniforms walked over.

Leading them was an old man with white hair, an ancient face, and a solid Source Power field that was like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

He had no ostentatious aura about him, yet he gave off a weighty pressure, like a towering mountain.

White Paper Fan's pupils constricted sharply.

Tier 5!

This was definitely the aura of a Tier 5 card Master!

The old man's gaze calmly swept over the two tense parties, finally landing on White Paper Fan.

His tone was unequivocal:

"Private duels are forbidden in the Star Brilliance Secret Market."

"This friend, if there's a trade dispute, you can go to the arbitration office ahead."

"Fighting here is to be an enemy of the entire Secret Market."

"Please abide by the rules."

"Don't mess with your own life."

White Paper Fan's expression changed, fluctuating between dark and light.

He knew that fighting here today was impossible.

He could only slowly rein in his imposing aura, and his folding fan gently swayed again, returning to his smiling demeanor.

"Rules, of course, must be followed."

"Saying a few words, that's fine, isn't it?"

He gave Lu Yuan a meaningful look,

"Kid, you're good."

"Very good."

"The Yao Family's Little Princess can't protect you forever."

"Once you leave this Star Brilliance Secret Market..."

He paused, then said word by word:

"I hope you still have this courage."

With that, he no longer looked at Lu Yuan and Yao Xiao, turned, and left.

The white figure quickly merged into the bustling crowd, as if he had never appeared.

Yao Xiao bowed slightly to the Tier 5 Master, expressing her gratitude.

The old man nodded, gave a light hum, and motioned for his subordinates to leave.

"Let's go, this is no place to linger."

"It's a good thing Master Yun arrived just now, otherwise it would have been hard to resolve."

"Never mind, let's leave the Secret Market first."

"You're in big trouble!"

...